Medicine and Health · Ear problems

Otitis

Barotraumas of the ear

Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Otitis:
Continuous contact with the water as occurs in diving, affects the epithelium of the outer ear canal, making it ideal for infections by fungi and bacteria causing ear pain, inflammation of the outer ear canal and also the secretion of pus.

In order to avoid this, drying the outer ear canal as soon as the dive is over is recommended. In a case of otitis, prompt medical attention is required as well as a temporary suspension of any diving activity, given the serious risk of tympanic membrane perforation due to the impossibility of compensation.

Barotraumas of the ear
Barotraumas or “squeeze” in the ear is caused by descending underwater without compensating: the external pressure exerted on the tympani pushes it toward the inner ear, causing pain. These barotraumas can cause damage to the ear and even total loss of hearing.

Compensation is easily achieved by holding one’s nose with the fingers (this is why masks that leave the nose separate from the glass are recommended) and blowing hard: the pressure in the inner ear increases, pushing the tympani back to its original position and thus relieving the pain.


Timpanic Membrane Perforation
Barotraumas in the ear, caving in of the ear drum (this occurs during descent when gas is compressed in a cavity) or an untreated infection can all cause tympanic membrane perforation.

Symptoms include intense pain and dizziness and/or nausea. In these cases it is advisable to interrupt diving activities and consult a doctor immediately.